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Business at UEA
Find out more about studying Business at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Accounting and Sustainability
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- January 2027
Other Start Dates
Gain a competitive edge with a placement year
This course is also available with an integrated placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable UK industry experience alongside your master's degree
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
Top 20
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research Quality
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research QualityCourse Overview
Demand is rapidly growing for finance professionals who can tackle climate change and sustainability challenges.
On this MSc Accounting and Sustainability programme, you’ll benefit from a truly interdisciplinary learning experience. You’ll study across Norwich Business School, the School of Environmental Sciences, and the School of Global Development. As all three schools are based on the same campus, you’ll have access to expertise from across these fields while building a broad understanding of sustainable finance
You’ll develop strong accounting expertise alongside sustainability knowledge, preparing you for careers in accountancy, finance, and sustainability leadership. As organisations respond to climate change and evolving regulation, finance professionals increasingly need the skills to integrate sustainability into business strategy.
You’ll build advanced analytical skills to support strategic decision-making, including which projects to fund, where to invest, and how to incorporate carbon and nature into financial decisions. You’ll also strengthen your financial reporting and literacy skills to help organisations navigate a rapidly changing regulatory landscape. You’ll also have the exciting opportunity to take part in the International Case Competition run by Accounting 4 Sustainability (A4S), applying your learning to a real company.
UEA has a strong reputation in climate research, a sustainable campus, and strong links with industry and student networks that enrich your learning experience. Graduates go on to successful careers in accounting, consulting, finance, and management, as well as doctoral study and academic research.
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Placement Year
You have the option to choose a variant of this course with an integrated placement year. This gives you valuable UK industry experience as part of your Master’s degree.
In year one, you’ll complete your academic studies, including your dissertation, alongside an employability programme preparing you for UK work.
In year two, you’ll secure an industry placement or complete three employer-led industry projects with different UK organisations. This extra year lets you apply your learning professionally, strengthen your CV with UK experience, and boost your global career prospects.
You’ll lead the search for your placement, supported by employability workshops, coaching, and guidance from our specialist placement partner.
If you don’t secure a placement, you’ll complete three employer-led industry projects with organisations across different UK sectors.
For more information, check out our Postgraduate Placement Year page.
Study and Modules
Structure
The course offers start dates in September or January.
You’ll study corporate reporting, management accounting, and the environmental and scientific foundations of sustainability, developing a strong foundation.
You can then choose optional modules in collaboration with other UEA schools. Topics may include data analytics, environmental economics, responsible financial or human resource management, and strategies for reaching net zero.
You’ll then choose either a dissertation or industry-sponsored project to explore a topic in depth, based on your interests and career goals.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional D Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and hands-on case studies.
Our teaching combines the latest academic research with real-world business practice, giving you a current and well-rounded perspective on accounting.
You’ll be taught by experienced lecturers and practitioners from Norwich Business School, and benefit from guest lectures by industry experts and academics.
You’ll also learn from your fellow students. Our international and multidisciplinary community brings diverse perspectives that enrich discussions and collaborative learning.
Independent study is central to the course, but you won’t study alone. You’ll receive structured support through seminars and tutorials. You’ll also access resources through our virtual learning environment and engage with lecturers outside class.
If you’re new to accounting, you can take a non-credit online module introducing the fundamentals. This helps you build confidence from the start.
We place a strong emphasis on employability. You’ll take part in our annual Employability Week and Professional Skills Week. During these events, you’ll meet employers, attend workshops, and hear from alumni about their careers. These experiences help you connect academic learning with career development and planning.
Assessment
Assessment is designed to develop and test a wide range of professional skills, including technical knowledge, critical thinking, and communication. You’ll be assessed through coursework, case studies, group projects, presentations, written assignments, and exams.
Many assessments involve applying theory to real-world scenarios, helping you understand how accounting principles operate in practice. Presentations and group work also strengthen your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and collaborate effectively with others.
If you choose a dissertation or industry-sponsored project, you’ll demonstrate independent research, analyse findings, and present clear conclusions.
Careers
Career Pathways
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Financial accountant with sustainability specialism
- Strategic management accountant
- Consultant
- Sustainability manager
- Auditor
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
You’ll graduate with a strong foundation in sustainability, accounting, and finance, and the ability to apply your knowledge in diverse contexts.
The course prepares you for professional roles in accounting, consulting, finance, and management, as well as doctoral study and research.
With strong technical skills, critical insight, and adaptability, you’ll be ready to make a positive impact wherever your career takes you.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in January each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Any subject area.
Please note that if you have studied business before at undergraduate or postgraduate level, we recommend you check the modules carefully to make sure that this course is right for you.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in January each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Any subject area.
Please note that if you have studied business before at undergraduate or postgraduate level, we recommend you check the modules carefully to make sure that this course is right for you.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component).
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner INTO UEA. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £14,500
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International Students: £25,700
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.